Letters

(This letter was previously sent to former Secretaries Robert Gates, Leon Panetta, Chuck Hagel and Ash Carter at the urging of members of the armed services who celebrate Juneteenth on military bases in America and around the world. These military personnel felt that an acknowledgement from Secretary of Defense would help create a more receptive atmosphere for the celebration of the “19th of June” on base.

My letter has been issued every year since 2008 and has never received an official response. On two occasions a colonel from the Pentagon called to acknowledge receipt of the letter and said they would do all that they could to get the letter to the appropriate staff for the
Secretary of Defense to respond.

Hopefully the current Secretary of Defense will respond and attend a Juneteenth Celebration on one of many military bases that have wonderful events.)